As the writer James Sallis says in the foreword to this succinct survey, American crime stories “speak of our cities and our civilisation as do no others”. In the fourth of Forshaw’s series of guides to the crime novels of different regions, including Euro Noir and Brit Noir, he tackles the nation that gave the world hard-boiled fiction. He focuses on contemporary work, much of which is “powered by indignation” and a visceral anger at prejudice and corruption. Arranged alphabetically, his book is an invaluable resource for crime fiction fans keen to discover new authors and packed with insights into better-known ones. Also included are five interviews with writers, including James Ellroy, whose Perfidia he describes as “the Finnegans Wake of crime novels”, and a list of the 30 best US crime novels published since 2000. Some entries are no more than a paragraph, too short to say much. But Forshaw is immensely knowledgeable about the field and is always worth reading. A hugely entertaining guide that demonstrates the breadth and vitality of the genre in the US.
• American Noir: The Pocket Essential Guide to US Crime Fiction, Film and TV is published by Pocket Essentials. To order a copy for £8.49 (RRP £9.99) go to bookshop.theguardian.com or call 0330 333 6846. Free UK p&p over £10, online orders only. Phone orders min p&p of £1.99.
